Death at Santa Anita
The CHRB reports that Big Update perished at Santa Anita yesterday – details will have to wait till my FOIA. She was three years old and had been put to the whip three times.
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Patrick Battuello
What Do You See?
This social-media post was strictly intended to extol the “unsung heroes,” exercise riders, like this one who fell and was injured down in Florida. What I see, however, is an abused, subjugated – and scared – young animal, with said…
More Subterfuge at Finger Lakes
As previously relayed, the Finger Lakes chartwriter is loath to report bad tidings. According to his “report” for the 1st Monday, nothing out of the ordinary befell Go Susan Go: “unhurried along the rail…angled wide and lacked a rally.” That’s…
Criminal Investigation Begun in Hiteman Case
I’ve heard from many of you that the Madison County Prosecutor’s office has responded to your entreaties regarding Dale Hiteman. Thought I’d share my own interaction. First, my email to them: Dear Deputy Prosecutor Hanna: I am sure by now…
Yannick Gingras Welts Horse in Kentucky, Gets Wrist Slapped
From the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for driver Yannick Gingras at Lexington Sep 19: “Hereby assessed a civil penalty of $500 for leaving welts. The find [sic] was lessoned [sic] due to whipping within prescribed rules of the KHRC.” So…
Dead Horse’s Owner: “It’s just so strange to think we won’t see him again.”
Some miscellaneous notes… According to the stewards at Delaware, 3-year-old Ojitos Bellos was “lame in the post parade” Oct 5 and subsequently scratched by the regulatory vet. Meaning, Ojitos’ exploiter, Mario Serey, had every intention of running her out there…
Two Horses “Return Lame, Vanned Off” at Churchill; Nothing About That on the Race Charts
From the stewards at Churchill… Sep 29:“The claim [sale] of After Five was voided when horse was placed on Vet’s List.” “The claim of Two Worlds was voided when horse was placed on Vet’s List.” “The claim of Tape to…
“Requiem for the Racehorses”
Today, I present “Requiem for the Racehorses” – a beautiful, haunting song written and performed by the very talented Nicolette Aubourg. (You can show your support for Nicolette here.) Thank you, Nicolette, from the depths of my heart. Full Lyrics…
Takeover Kash Confirmed Killed at Delaware
Takeover Kash, a “went bad, vanned off” at Delaware Wednesday, is, no surprise, dead – “sustained critical injury, euthanized,” the stewards say. He was four years old, and this was his 12th time under the whip. His exploiter, owner/trainer Maxine…
Last Week…
Chart notes from U.S. Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse races last week. Queen Breezy “broke down” at Grants PassBete Rouge “fell over fallen rival [above], DNF” at Grants PassSummer Nitro “in distress, pulled up, [euthanized]” at Finger LakesAbbreviation “vanned off” at HorseshoeLa…
Not Even $2.5M in Earnings Is Enough to Guarantee a Safe Landing – Secret Oath Off to Auction
Secret Oath, a top-tier horse with almost $2.5M “earnings” over just 18 races, is being retired for what’s being termed “a minor ankle injury.” So where, pray tell, is the 4-year-old being retired to? Surely, with that kind of success,…
Victory: Citing “Brutal Conduct,” USTA Revokes Dale Hiteman’s License
The United States Trotting Association has filled the gaping accountability void left by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission by ruling this week to strip animal abuser Dale Hiteman of his license. For those unfamiliar with the case, please take a…